If international relations, diplomacy, or foreign policy excites you — then the MEA Internship 2025 is an opportunity you really shouldn’t miss. I recently researched this internship thoroughly, and let me tell you — working with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, gives you exposure that’s hard to match.
Whether you’re a Political Science, IR, Law, or even Engineering student — the MEA Internship opens doors to India’s global engagement ecosystem.
About MEA Internship
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) offers internships at its South Block office in New Delhi. The internship is a short-term engagement for Indian students and graduates who want to understand how India’s foreign policy and international affairs are shaped and implemented.
This is a physical, unpaid internship, but the exposure is rich and can seriously boost your chances in government jobs, think tanks, or international careers like IFS (Indian Foreign Service), UN jobs, etc.
Ministry of External Affairs internship Highlights 2025
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Start Date: Intake is done quarterly (January, April, July, October)
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Duration: 1 month (extendable in rare cases)
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Stipend: Unpaid
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Location: On-site at MEA HQ, New Delhi
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Sector: International Relations, Diplomacy, Policy Research, Global Affairs
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Open to: Indian nationals only
Who Can Apply?
The eligibility is quite straightforward, but make sure you tick all the boxes:
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Education Level:
Final-year UG students, PG students, or recently graduated (within 1 year) -
Discipline:
Open to all streams — Political Science, IR, Law, Engineering, Management, Humanities, etc. -
Nationality:
Only Indian citizens can apply -
Age Limit:
Minimum 18 years -
Other Conditions:
Must not have previously interned with MEA
Selection Process
Here’s how the MEA selects its interns:
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Online Application via Portal: You select your preferred quarter
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Shortlisting: Based on academic merit and Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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Final Selection: Selected candidates are informed via email
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No Interview Required – selection is purely on documents
The selection is competitive, so make sure your SOP is original and compelling.
Internship Benefits
While it’s unpaid, here’s what you’ll gain from the MEA Internship 2025:
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Certificate from the Ministry of External Affairs
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Opportunity to attend internal seminars, research briefings, and delegations
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First-hand exposure to India’s foreign policy framework
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Network building with officials, diplomats, and fellow interns
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Boost for careers in UPSC, IFS, think tanks, and global NGOs
Documents Required
You’ll need to upload/submit the following documents during application:
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Updated Resume (PDF)
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Statement of Purpose (max 500 words)
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Recent Passport-size Photograph
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Aadhaar Card or any government ID
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College ID card or Bonafide Certificate
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Marksheets (latest academic degree)
How to Apply for MEA Internship 2025
Here’s the step-by-step process to apply:
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Visit the official MEA internship portal
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Register with your email ID and phone number
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Choose your preferred internship quarter (Jan, Apr, Jul, or Oct)
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Fill in personal, academic, and preference details
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Upload documents and SOP
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Submit and wait for confirmation
Tip: Don’t copy-paste SOPs from the internet. Write from your own interests and align it with MEA’s global role.
Important Dates
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Application Start: Usually 2 months before the chosen quarter
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Last Date to Apply: Around 4–6 weeks before internship month
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Internship Period: January, April, July, or October
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Result Announcement: Usually 2–3 weeks before joining
Government Internships 2025 List – Click Here
FAQs – MEA Internship 2025
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What is the last date to apply for MEA Internship 2025?
You must apply at least 4–6 weeks before your preferred internship month. -
Who is eligible for the MEA Internship?
Indian UG final-year, PG students, or recent graduates (within 1 year) from any discipline. -
Is the MEA Internship paid?
No, it is an unpaid internship. -
How long is the internship duration?
One month only. -
How to apply for the MEA Internship online?
Visit internship.mea.gov.in and apply through the official portal. -
Do I need to be from an IR or Political Science background?
No, students from any stream can apply. -
Is there an interview process?
No, interns are selected based on their application and SOP.